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Myrrh

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Common Names

For Patients & Caregivers

Myrrh is an extract of a tree gum resin that has been used as a fragrance for centuries. It has also been used medicinally, and recent laboratory studies in animals have shown certain biological activities. Myrrh extracts may protect against damage to the stomach mucus lining by substances such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol. It may also have antioxidant properties and stimulate the thyroid gland. In animal studies, myrrh reduces inflammation and fevers. There also appears to be anticancer activity based on experiments that show slowing of cancer growth in mice, and decreased proliferaton or death in isolated cancer cells. It is unknown, however, if these effects can occur in humans.

A small study showed that myrhh may be effective in treating trichomoniasis vaginalis, a sexually transmitted disease.

For Healthcare Professionals

The oleo gum resin obtained from Commiphora species, myrrh is well known as a fragrance used in incense and in perfumes. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, stomach problems, asthma, and other bronchial conditions.

Studies indicate that myrhh has anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic (13), anti-trichomonas (14) and antipyretic effects in vitro and in mice (2). Constituents of myrrh have also been shown to inhibit certain cancers (3)(4)(5)(12), but human data are lacking.

A small study showed effectiveness of myrrh against trichomoniasis vaginalis in affected women (15).

In animal studies, an aqueous suspension of C. molmol has been found to protect against gastric mucosal damage caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol (7). C. molmol is thought to have free radical-scavenging, thyroid-stimulating, and prostaglandin-inducing properties. These effects are caused by increases in mucus production, and nucleic acid and non-protein sulfhydryl concentrations. Aqueous extracts of myrrh may induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, causing a more rapid metabolism of warfarin (10).

C.molmol inhibits the growth of Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice (4). The cytotoxic activities appear to be as effective as cyclophosphamide in solid tumor-bearing mice. Results of one study reveal that the Na, K and Ca levels in cancer cells were reduced by treatment of C. molmol, leading to inhibition of cellular proliferation and tumor growth (3). Another in vitro study found that myrrh gum had tumoricidal effect against a malignant murine neuroblastoma cell line (5). The antiproliferative activity of sesquiterpenoids ST1 and ST2 from myrhh in human prostate cancer cells may occur through androgen receptor signaling inhibition (12).